MSEJ Summer 2019 Issue | Page 21

www.casy.us|www.msccn.org HOT JOBS 21

Every position you’ve held, even for industry-specific job titles, has skills that are valued and needed in every industry. For example, my experience is in film production. My visual art and script writing experience have awarded me with publishing and marketing experience. This out-of-the-box experience also offers a different perspective to my employers that not only benefits me, but also the company.

How do you get started?

Step 1: Evaluate.

Sometimes these connections aren’t so obvious, so how do you make these connections?The first step is taking an honest, hard look at yourself. This self-reflection sounds cliche, but try looking at yourself as a business executive would look at their business and perform a S.W.O.T. (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) analysis. You are your best asset and it’s important to know exactly what you can offer.

Step 2: Research.

Once you know your professional strengths, begin career exploration. One resource I like that helps connect those dots is O*NET. It takes out some of the guesswork by showing similar jobs where your skills will transfer. What Color is My Parachute? is a classic handbook that gets updated annually to assist in your job search or career change.

Step 3: Connect.

The best resource is to have a mentor. Someone who sees your potential and knows the ins and outs of the industry. This is where our Employment Specialists come in. They can recognize your value, and their experience will know exactly where you’re a great fit. Get plugged in with us today to get started!